Prepare for holiday spills with a simple stain buster kit

It's that time of year when houseguests, red wine and chocolate can conspire against you and your furniture or table linens. Here are some tips for handling those table spills, plus creating a stain-removing kit to have handy for emergencies.

Gravy: Pretreat or soak with a product containing enzymes. Soak for 30 minutes if stain is dry. Launder as usual; don't dry until stain is out.

Red wine: Blot out as much as you can with a clean cloth dipped in cool water. Pretreat with stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. Wash with fabric-safe bleach.

Cranberry sauce: Soak in cold water (hot water sets the stain). Wash with bleach safe for the fabric.

Candle wax: Lift wax with a dull knife. For what remains, place the cloth between paper towels and press with warm iron. Replace towels as wax is absorbed.